1.0 CALL TO ORDER AND OPENING PRAYER
The meeting commenced with an opening prayer led by Alhaji Alaso-Adura, who prayed for all members, thanked God for bringing the members together once again, and prayed for God's continued blessings upon everyone.
2.0 WELCOME REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY
His Excellency welcomed all members and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to meet once again. He acknowledged that every meeting of the Forum was made possible by the grace of God and thanked members for their continued support and commitment.
His Excellency emphasized that the presence of every member on the Forum's platform was important and that the Forum counted on the participation of all members for the advancement of its programmes and objectives. He particularly appreciated members who had remained consistent and committed to their responsibilities and thanked everyone for their various forms of contribution, whether financial, material, advisory, or otherwise.
He also appreciated the Secretariat for its continued commitment and for remaining available to support the activities of the Forum.
3.0 ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
His Excellency noted that the agenda had just been adopted and that the next item was the reading and adoption of the minutes of the previous meeting.
He observed that the Secretary had already posted the minutes on the Forum's platform but noted that some members did not always check the WhatsApp platform regularly. He therefore stated that it was necessary to read the minutes again, particularly because there were matters arising from the previous meeting. He noted that reading the minutes would ensure that members remained abreast of previous discussions and resolutions and would provide the necessary context for matters to be considered at the current meeting.
4.0 READING AND ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Essien, thanked His Excellency and proceeded to read the minutes of the previous meeting held on Sunday, 5 July 2026.
The Secretary presented a comprehensive summary of the major issues considered at that meeting, including:
• The opening prayer and welcome of members.
• Concerns regarding insecurity and the situation of His Royal Majesty, the Emir of Yashikera/Yashikira.
• The reading and adoption of the minutes of the earlier meeting, including the correction concerning the name of Ambassador Aliyu Ndaman.
• The motion for adoption moved by Barrister Issa Abubakar and seconded by Dr. Raji Ahmed.
• The security incident involving the Emir of Yashikera/Yashikira, including the update provided by Barrister Issa regarding the abduction of the Emir's wife and children.
• Reports concerning military operations in the affected area and the subsequent reprisal incident in Yashikera.
• Dr. Raji Ahmed's proposal for the establishment of a committee to visit the Emir and convey the Forum's condolences and prayers.
• His Excellency's proposals concerning a formal letter to the Emir, obtaining a reliable telephone contact for him, and making voluntary financial contributions towards his situation.
• Ambassador Aliyu Ndaman's support for financial contributions as a demonstration of solidarity.
• Madam Malaika's contribution from Morocco in support of prayers and financial assistance.
• The decision to initially prioritize communication with the Emir through a formal letter and telephone calls before addressing the financial contribution.
• The update on the soybean intervention meeting with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, including the excellent presentation prepared by the committee and its emergence as the lead paper for the meeting.
• The commendations received from officials of the Ministry and other participating institutions.
• The financial matters discussed at the previous meeting, including concerns regarding low member contributions, the proposal to publish outstanding indebtedness, Ambassador Ndaman's recommendation that members first be contacted individually, and the subsequent agreement to use individual text messages.
• The formal appointment of Alhaji Bisiriyu Fanu Lasisi as Financial Secretary.
• Barrister Issa's advice that the appointment should be formally documented through a resolution and, where necessary, appropriate filings with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
• Further discussions concerning support for His Royal Majesty and the proposal to establish an account for voluntary contributions.
• A member's enquiry concerning the situation of the Emir's three wives and children.
• Alhaji Lasisi's recommendation that receipts for voluntary contributions should be submitted confidentially to him rather than posted on the Forum's platform.
• The motion for adjournment moved by Ambassador Aliyu Ndaman and seconded by Barrister Lasisi.
• The closing prayer delivered by Dr. Ajibare.
4.1 Observations on the Previous Minutes
Following the reading, His Excellency thanked the Secretary and described the minutes as very comprehensive and detailed.
He stated that it was important and expedient for the House to go through the minutes because several significant issues had arisen during the previous meeting and there had also been a gap in the Forum's meeting schedule.
His Excellency expressed concern that, according to the record, no meeting had been held during the month of June. He described this as unacceptable and emphasized that it should not happen again. He stated that an association was expected to meet regularly and frequently, because without regular meetings it would be difficult to follow up on issues and implement decisions.
His Excellency welcomed Hajia to the meeting and exchanged brief pleasantries with her, welcoming her back.
He further observed that the records showed that the Forum had gone a full thirty days without a meeting and reiterated that such a gap should not be allowed to recur, irrespective of the circumstances. He noted that several issues had arisen during that period and that some of them would form part of the discussions at the present meeting.
4.2 Correction and Adoption
His Excellency invited members to make corrections or amendments to the minutes.
One correction was identified. It was noted that the Secretary had recorded that Dr. Raji was thanked for attending the soybean meeting, whereas it was actually Alhaji Alaso-Adura who attended the meeting. The Secretary was directed to amend the record accordingly.
The correction was duly acknowledged.
The Secretary explained that the minutes were lengthy and detailed because of the sensitive nature of the matters discussed at the previous meetings. He stated that he had deliberately ensured that the contributions of all members were captured so that the record would accurately reflect the proceedings. He appealed to members to endeavour to read the minutes before subsequent meetings, as this would facilitate quicker deliberations and save meeting time.
His Excellency appreciated the Secretary for the effort invested in documenting the thoughts, views and contributions of members. He observed that the previous meeting had been extensive and involved many participants and thanked God that the proceedings had been successfully documented. He thereafter invited members to identify any further omissions, inaccuracies or corrections.
Ambassador Aliyu Ndaman moved the motion for the adoption of the minutes as read.
The motion was seconded by Alhaji Umar Barka.
The minutes were accordingly adopted, subject to the correction noted above.
________________________________________
5.0 MATTERS ARISING
5.1 Update on the Committee Visit to His Royal Majesty, the Emir of Yashikira
His Excellency noted that Alhaji Umar Barka was expected to serve on one of the committees established by the Forum and stated that he had intended to meet with him to obtain an update on the committee's progress.
Report by Alhaji Umar Barka
Alhaji Umar Abdulbarka greeted His Excellency and members and apologized for the poor telephone connection on his end.
He reported that Dr. Raji, Hajia Habeebah and himself had been delegated to visit His Royal Majesty, the Emir of Yashikira. He stated that he had arranged a meeting with the Emir but explained that, by the time he contacted Dr. Raji to inform him of the date agreed upon with the Emir, circumstances had unfortunately affected the arrangement.
He stressed the importance of involving individuals directly in such assignments, observing that if only government officials were carried along, there might be insufficient follow-up. He stated that individual involvement would promote continuity and ensure that issues received proper follow-up.
5.2 Visit to GDIZ by the Federal Government Delegation
His Excellency notified the group of the recent to GDiZ in Benin Republic by a high-powered Federal Government of Nigeria led by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria along with Six states governors. He believed that it is important that an association like the NBADF should be having the privilege to be among the delegates.
His Excellency noted that the Ogun State Government should be expected to be represented in such engagements, including at the state level. He observed that, in some cases, government involvement appeared to be concentrated on the northern part of the country and that even states geographically closer to the Republic of Benin were not sufficiently involved, noting that Oyo State also had significant cotton production, as did Ekiti State. He recalled that his father had previously operated a cotton farm and noted that cotton was cultivated regularly in the northern part of Ekiti State.
5.3 Engagement with Government on Trade and Related Events
Dr. Ajibare stated that he did not believe it was too late to draw the attention of the Minister of Trade and Industry to such events. He stated that, as an association, the Forum should be able to make observations and comments concerning matters of relevance to its mandate.
He observed that, going forward, organizations such as the NBADF and other relevant associations should probably be carried along in such events. He stated that the organization should make some form of representation to government.
His Excellency further proposed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Presidency, and, where possible, the Office of the Vice President, should also be informed or engaged in future. He stated that such engagement would make the Forum's activities more visible.
He called on the Secretary to take note of the proposal, which was duly acknowledged.
6.0 UPDATE ON THE BENIN REPUBLIC COUNTERPARTS PROGRAMME
His Excellency informed the House that an event which was scheduled to be conducted by the Forum's colleagues in the Republic of Benin had been postponed.
He noted that the event was originally scheduled for 26 July 2026, but that the Forum had received a letter communicating the postponement. The reason given was technical difficulties.
His Excellency stated that since the Benin counterparts had formally communicated the postponement, the Forum should acknowledge receipt of the communication and inform them that whenever they were ready to hold the programme, the NBADF remained available to participate and cooperate with them.
7.0 FINANCIAL SITUATION OF THE FORUM
His Excellency moved to the financial situation of the Forum and commended the Financial Secretary for the work being done.
He stated that the Financial Secretary had compiled the available financial information and could provide a clear picture of the Forum's current financial position. He noted that many members had not paid their dues and that the Financial Secretary had prepared a compilation, including a chart, which could be made available to the leadership.
7.1 Report of the Financial Secretary
Barrister Bisiriyu Fanu Lasisi, Financial Secretary, informed the House that members had previously agreed on the mechanism for raising funds for the Forum. However, he observed that the Forum had not been able to finance a number of activities previously contemplated, including the production of identity cards and other planned initiatives.
He reported that, based on the names supplied by the Secretariat, the Forum had approximately 29 members on the relevant list.
Of these, approximately 13 members had been making payments, although the payments were not regular.
He stated that:
• Some members had paid their contributions up to the end of August.
• One member had paid up to the end of the year.
• Some members had paid for only one month.
• Others had paid for only two months.
• Some members voluntarily contributed ₦10,000 rather than the minimum amount.
• Some members had contributed ₦30,000.
• The total amount received so far was approximately ₦420,000.
He noted that while every contribution, whether ₦5,000, ₦10,000 or more, was welcome, the available funds were not sufficient to effectively run the Secretariat.
He appreciated the person currently assisting at the Secretariat and noted that substantial work was being undertaken there, including internet usage, telephone services, card-related expenses, electricity, typing and other administrative activities.
He emphasized that although approximately ₦420,000 had been received for the year, the response from members remained inadequate and appealed to members to encourage themselves and improve their financial participation.
He stated that the Forum would give members approximately two weeks to increase their contributions before the financial position and indebtedness of members were placed on the platform for everyone to see.
7.2 His Excellency's Remarks on Financial Obligations
His Excellency emphasized that no organization could effectively carry out its activities without adequate financial resources.
He stated that the Forum needed sufficient financial strength to undertake its programmes and that the lack of funds was one of the reasons the Forum had not been able to do as much as it desired.
He observed that even some of the activities already undertaken had been funded personally by individual members.
He therefore urged all members to rise to their financial obligations.
His Excellency proposed that members should be given a timeline and stated that by the middle of August 2026, members who had not regularized their contributions could have their levels of indebtedness published on the Forum's platform.
He encouraged members to use the intervening period to contact Barrister Bisiriyu Fanu Lasisi to determine the amount outstanding against their names and settle their obligations.
7.3 Proposal for Members to Support Other Members
Dr. Ajibare shared an experience from another association to which he belonged. He stated that, in that association, an individual sometimes voluntarily paid on behalf of members who were unable to meet their financial obligations, thereby helping the association achieve its financial target.
He explained that the approach was voluntary and personal. He noted that some members of the NBADF, particularly those in the Republic of Benin and those attending university there as their main source of income, might face financial challenges.
He therefore suggested that any member with the financial capacity to assist members in that category could voluntarily do so. Such a member could calculate the contributions of those unable to pay, make the payment on their behalf, and subsequently communicate privately with the beneficiaries.
His Excellency acknowledged the suggestion as a good one, stating that members could be their brothers' keepers and help protect the dignity of colleagues while ensuring that the Forum's programmes moved forward.
He appealed to members who could afford the minimum contribution to pay and encouraged those with greater capacity to contribute more.
His Excellency recalled that an individual had previously assisted the Forum during his tenure as Chairman of KAMBA, having reportedly engaged the Governor of the State and secured ₦1 million, which was used as the Forum's take-off fund.
He noted that the same individual had recently been absent from meetings and suggested that efforts should be made to reach out to him.
His Excellency appealed to Alhaji Alaso-Adura to assist in reaching the individual and stated that he would also make efforts to contact him.
7.4 Broader Fundraising and Government Engagement
His Excellency recalled that the Forum had previously considered approaching some Governors for support but observed that not all had been forthcoming.
He remarked that Governors in the southern part of the country could be particularly difficult to approach for financial support and suggested that this might be because they did not personally perceive the benefits of the Forum's work.
He observed that some Governors in the northern part of the country were more receptive and encouraged members to cultivate relationships with them.
He further urged members to reach out to more individuals, organizations and institutions capable of supporting the Forum rather than relying on a single source.
He expressed faith that God would continue to make a way for the Forum even in difficult circumstances.
His Excellency again thanked members for whatever they had been able to contribute, noting that the situation could have been better but was not the worst.
He particularly appreciated the Secretariat and acknowledged that even commitments made to the Secretariat had not always been honoured. He nevertheless commended the Secretariat for continuing to work diligently.
He expressed the belief that God would replenish those who had made sacrifices for the Forum and emphasized that there were many ways in which people could give sacrificially. He encouraged members to remain conscious of their own responsibilities and to make every effort to support the Forum.
8.0 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
8.1 Admission of Mr. Demola Kehinde
His Excellency informed the House that Dr. Raji had recommended and introduced a new prospective member, Mr. Demola Kehinde, who had already been added to the Forum's platform.
His Excellency stated that Dr. Raji had spoken positively about Mr. Kehinde and believed that he could add value to the Forum.
He noted that Mr. Kehinde was based in Abuja and Ilorin.
His Excellency also emphasized the importance of bringing younger people into the organization so that the next generation could gradually assume responsibilities and sustain the Forum when older members became less active.
Mr. Demola Kehinde expressed appreciation for the welcome extended to him.
8.2 Proposal for Low-Cost Activities and Institutional Visibility
His Excellency encouraged members to propose activities that could promote the Forum, enhance its visibility and keep it in the public limelight without imposing significant financial burdens.
He directed members to forward such ideas to the Secretariat for consideration.
He noted that the Forum had entered the second half of the year and that, during the first half, it had achieved important milestones, including:
1. Participation in election monitoring in the Republic of Benin, which he described as a huge success; and
2. The presentation made to the Minister of Trade concerning soybeans, which he also described as a major success.
He encouraged members to develop and propose additional initiatives for the second half of the year that would further position the Forum as an active and visible organization.
8.3 Proposed Expansion of the Reconciliation Effort in the Benin Republic
Dr. Ajibare stated that he was not certain how much of the matter concerning the internal disagreement among the Forum's colleagues in the Republic of Benin had been discussed because his telephone connection had been unstable.
He noted that the matter was an internal issue among the Benin colleagues and that he and Alhaji Alaso-Adura had so far engaged one side of the dispute. He observed, however, that they had not yet visited or heard directly from the other side.
He therefore suggested that, in addition to himself and Alhaji Alaso-Adura, approximately four additional persons should be included in the reconciliation effort so that the other side could also be heard and efforts made to reconcile the two principal leaders.
8.4 Response and Proposed Arbitration Committee
His Excellency acknowledged that communication and internet difficulties had caused some members to miss portions of the Secretary's presentation and discussion.
He stated that the suggestion was relevant and remained part of the matter under consideration.
He emphasized that reconciliation was not normally an exercise that could be completed in one day. While results could sometimes be achieved quickly, peace-building generally required patience and sustained engagement.
His Excellency recalled that Dr. Raji had previously proposed the establishment of an Arbitration Committee to engage both parties.
He stated that the committee should not engage only one side but should speak with:
• The two principal parties;
• Their respective supporters; and
• Other persons within the two groups.
He observed that there were now two distinct groups and that bringing them together would be advantageous to the Forum. Continued separation and conflict would create distractions and prevent the matter from being resolved.
He stated that the proposal was duly noted and acknowledged that Alhaji Alaso-Adura had already been deeply involved in the matter. He therefore proposed that additional members be added to the reconciliation team to strengthen the process and help find a lasting solution.
8.5 Request for Contact Information
A member requested the telephone number of Hajia Habiba from the Secretariat.
His Excellency directed the Secretariat to provide the requested contact information.
________________________________________
9.0 SUPPORT FOR HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, THE EMIR OF YASHIKIRA
His Excellency returned to the matter of support for His Royal Majesty, the Emir of Yashikira, and emphasized the need to act within the week.
He urged members who intended to contribute towards the rehabilitation/support fund established for the Emir to make their contributions between the date of the meeting and Wednesday.
He stated that if the Forum could raise ₦500,000, he would like to personally undertake a community presentation on behalf of the Forum.
He nevertheless encouraged members to raise more than ₦500,000 if possible and appealed to members who were not present at the meeting to also participate.
His Excellency confirmed that the letter addressed to the Emir was ready and expressed confidence in the Secretary's ability to finalize the matter.
________________________________________
10.0 ADJOURNMENT
Alhaji Umar Barka moved the motion for the adjournment of the meeting.
The motion was seconded by Ambassador Aliyu Ndaman.
His Excellency thanked Ambassador Aliyu Ndaman and invited Pastor Ajibare to lead the closing prayer.
11.0 CLOSING PRAYER
Pastor Ajibare thanked God for the opportunity to hold the meeting and for the progress made by the association.
He thanked God for providing solutions to the challenges confronting the Forum and prayed for the continued success, growth and support of the association.
The prayer was concluded in Jesus' precious Holy Name.
Members responded "Amen."
The meeting was thereafter adjourned.
________________________________________
12.0 KEY RESOLUTIONS AND ACTION POINTS
For ease of follow-up, the following actions arose from the meeting:
|
